Messi’s Brilliant Goal Stuns City in Champions League ThrillerMessi’s Brilliant Goal Stuns City in Champions League Thriller Manchester City’s Champions League hopes were left in tatters as Lionel Messi’s moment of brilliance condemned them to a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat at home to Paris Saint-Germain. City had taken the lead through Raheem Sterling in the first half, but PSG roared back after the break with Messi producing a stunning individual goal to equalize. Kylian Mbappe then sealed the victory for the visitors with a late strike. Messi’s goal was a work of art. Picking up the ball on the right wing, he skipped past Joao Cancelo with ease before cutting inside. With Bernardo Silva closing him down, Messi unleashed a devastating left-footed shot that flew into the far corner. The goal sent shockwaves through the Etihad Stadium, as City’s hopes of reaching the Champions League final for a second consecutive year were dealt a major blow. Pep Guardiola’s men had controlled the game for long periods, but they were unable to find a second goal to put the game to bed. PSG, on the other hand, grew in confidence as the game wore on. Mbappe was a constant threat, and Neymar also played a key role in their victory. With just 10 minutes remaining, Mbappe broke through City’s defense and slotted the ball past Ederson to secure all three points for PSG. The result leaves City needing a major turnaround in the second leg in Paris if they are to have any chance of progressing to the semi-finals. Messi’s brilliant goal will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the greatest moments in Champions League history.
